Marianne's tearful confession stunned Drake, leaving him scrambling for words as he struggled to fathom the repercussions of her impulsive decisions. With concern and frustration etched on his face, he gently placed a hand on her shoulder."Marianne, why would you do something like that? Giving up everything just because you thought I was... gone?" he said. His voice carried a blend of worry and disbelief.Marianne sniffled, attempting to compose herself. "I thought... I couldn't bear staying there after... after you're gone. You're the one who put me in there, so... everything felt pointless."Drake sighed, realizing the depth of her emotional turmoil. “Maybe it’s my fault too," he thought, thinking about how the other tribute system users caught him when he was supposed to introduce himself as the major shareholder of BellRox Corporation.There's still a long list of things he must do to make sure Eleanor's life is far from danger, or more specifically, far from Zack White. The list
Drake drew in a deep breath, preparing himself for their reaction. With a determined gaze, he declared, "I'm a trillionaire."Eleanor and Lucille exchanged incredulous glances, their eyes reflecting a mix of shock and disbelief."A trillionaire? But how?" Eleanor's voice quivered with a cocktail of emotions. "It doesn't add up, Drake. Where did all this sudden wealth come from?" Her eyes held a glint of suspicion."What's happening?" Lucille chimed in, her gaze fixed on him in disbelief.The weight of their questions pressed on Drake. He knew his explanation needed to be convincing, but all he managed was to recycle the same excuse he had already used. "Well, you see, it's from being lucky with my investments.""Investments?" Eleanor's eyebrows arched. She knew that her brother had been struggling financially just a few months ago, making his explanation unconvincing. She had let it slide when Drake named a hotel after her, but the sudden boast of his finances was hard to believe."We
In the bustling streets of Magrao's middle district, there was a spot that inevitably drew attention: the entourage accompanying Drake's group, specifically the array of burly personal guards. Eleanor and Lucille, just as mesmerized as the onlookers, gazed at Drake, who seemed unperturbed by the imposing men in suits surrounding their vehicle."Why aren't you two coming out?" Drake inquired, leaning casually against the car window, the sole figure standing proudly amidst the guards."Why are we surrounded by these intimidating people?" Eleanor asked, her curiosity tinged with a touch of apprehension."They aren't scary; they're here to protect us," Drake reassured them."But we're attracting so much attention. This district is always bustling," Lucille remarked, voicing her concern."Just ignore them. I prefer it this way," Drake insisted."Didn't you claim we weren't in trouble? Then why the need for protection?" Eleanor pressed, her confusion evident."I want you safe.”“I am safe.
Inside the breakroom, where Mr. Bigas served snacks and tea to Eleanor and Lucille, a heavy silence settled as no one seemed to have anything to talk about."Is cheap tea okay for you ladies?" he inquired, serving it regardless."I'm fine with anything," Eleanor politely replied."Oh, you're nice," he commented. His eyes discreetly scanned Eleanor's and Lucille's clothes, noticing they both wore luxury-branded attire. Coupled with the presence of personal guards standing closely by the door, he couldn't help but wonder which wealthy family they hailed from."Why do you keep looking at us like that?" Lucille asked, feeling uncomfortable under his gaze."I am just wondering why I've never heard of the Chwe family before," he explained."Of course, we don't know each other," Eleanor responded, also feeling uneasy."No, what I mean is, most of the people coming here were all from wealthy families for our services. I recognize their names immediately because it's always the wealthiest peop
Drake and Lucille arrived at BellRox Corporation's headquarters, a bustling workplace packed with tasks and a fast-paced environment. No one seemed to notice or care about Drake and Lucille's arrival, creating discomfort for Lucille."No one seems to care," Lucille commented as they stood inside the elevator."Care about what?" Drake asked."You were just declared dead not long ago, and you returned alive again, but no one seems to care. I know they know you. You were formerly the head manager of sales and operations," Lucille said."What do you expect their reaction to be?" he snorted."At least they could greet you?" she suggested."Greet me?" Drake chuckled. "For you, they may appear indifferent, but I bet during breaks, they'll be talking about me.""Why are you laughing about this? At least colleagues should care about each other," she shared."That's nonsense," he commented. "Anyway, they'll care more about me later.""Huh? What?" she tilted her head."You'll know after we meet
The room descended into an immediate silence as Chairman Sy, the true head of BellRox Corporation, made his entrance. Executives rose in respect, acknowledging his presence with a mixture of anticipation and relief."Good afternoon, everyone," Chairman Sy greeted, his demeanor composed and authoritative. His arrival instantly diverted attention from the ongoing discussion.Drake stood up, offering a respectful smile. "Good afternoon, Chairman Sy. It's an honor to finally meet you in person."Chairman Sy nodded in acknowledgment before addressing the room, saying, "Please, be seated."As the executives settled back into their chairs, Chairman Sy's gaze swept across the room, detecting the lingering tension. "I apologize for my delay. I've been briefed on the ongoing discussions."Drake remained composed, keenly observing Chairman Sy's reaction to the proposal that had been presented moments ago."Mr. Chwe," Chairman Sy began, his voice carrying a sense of authority. "I heard about your
Lucille narrowed her gaze at Marianne. She could definitely see desire sparkling in Marianne's eyes—a clear sign that Marianne had eyes for Drake. She disliked it when Drake let such things slide."I can sense you want my man," Lucille said, her gaze menacing as she locked eyes with Marianne. "Back off, or else you'll suffer," she warned before confidently striding behind Drake.Marianne was speechless, watching Lucille walk away. She couldn't believe she had received such a warning from her."I know it very well. I was rejected, after all," Marianne muttered after a few moments of being stunned. She then walked in the opposite direction where the two were headed and added, "But at least I am not some sort of burden to him."She proceeded to continue her task, bringing convenience to Drake's work. Marianne went to the conference area, where the press was, before heading to where Drake and Lucille were taking a break."Aren't they here?" she wondered after a few knocks without an answe
The press conference brought a whirlwind of inquiries, painting Bellrox Corporation and Drake Chwe in a more favorable light. Yet, amid the positive buzz, Drake's unease amplified. Kale Justinbaste's absence troubled him, especially since the system feature alarm meant to signal Zack White's proximity hadn't triggered in Justinbaste's presence."Where did he go? Why isn't he here?" Drake pondered, his mind spinning with doubt. His initial assumption that Justinbaste might be Zack White crumbled, leaving him even warier of Justinbaste's true identity."Are you looking for Lucille?" Marianne's voice snapped Drake out of his thoughts, drawing attention to Lucille's absence."Lucille?" Drake's brow furrowed as he scanned the room, only just realizing she was missing. "Right, where is she?""I think she remained in the break room. She said she wouldn't be of any help here at all," Marianne informed him."That girl, I told her to stick with me," Drake muttered, irritation evident in his voi